Latest news with #DelhiMedicalAssociation


Hans India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Covid situation constantly monitored, no need to panic: Health experts
New Delhi: With mounting cases of Covid-19 bringing fresh fears of the pandemic, which claimed millions of lives globally, experts at the Indian Medical Association and Delhi Medical Association on Saturday said that the cases are being constantly monitored and that there is no need to panic. According to the data from the Ministry of Health, India has reported 257 active Covid-19 cases as of May 19. Kerala (69), Maharashtra (44), and Tamil Nadu (34) are recording the highest daily case counts. Delhi recorded 23 new cases. As per the latest reports, two have tested positive for Covid in Gurugram, one each in Faridabad and Noida. "With Covid-19 cases being reported in different parts of India, there is no need to panic. What we recommend is enhanced surveillance and continued public awareness," Dr. Dinesh Goel, Paediatrician and President, of IMA Janak Puri, told IANS. He urged people to follow simple precautions like using masks 'in crowded areas and maintaining hygiene'. Dr. Amarjeet Singh Popli, from the Delhi Medical Association (DMA), also called for precautions while not panicking. 'There is no need to panic over the recent increase in Covid-19 cases. The situation is under constant monitoring by health authorities and the Delhi Medical Association,' Popli told IANS. The current rise is linked to Omicron and descendants of its subvariant JN.1, which 'are being closely observed', the expert noted. As per the latest data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), set up under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 -- descendants of JN.1 Covid variant in the country – are responsible for the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in the country. Data from the INSACOG, a consortium of 64 laboratories to monitor genomic variations of Covid virus, showed one case of NB.1.8.1 and four instances of the LF.7 type. While NB.1.8.1 was identified in April in Tamil Nadu, four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May. Currently, both LF.7 and NB.1.8 have been classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO). VUM is a term used to signal to public health authorities that a SARS-CoV-2 variant may require prioritised attention and monitoring. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has issued an advisory asking all hospitals to prepare for the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines. Popli urged the public to take basic precautions, such as wearing masks in crowded places and maintaining hygiene. 'With responsible behaviour, we can all stay safe."


Mint
10-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
India-Pakistan Conflict: Hospitals on High Alert! emergency readiness ramps up amid escalating tensions
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta convened a meeting on Friday with senior health officials from Delhi government hospitals to assess emergency preparedness in response to the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan, ANI reported citing official sources. During the meeting, Gupta instructed hospital authorities to ensure all medical facilities are fully equipped to handle any crisis. Later, Gupta said, 'Our government hospitals are all prepared for any situation. We have invited all the MDs and taken updates. A probe into updating on any shortage of staff or medicines is being done. The patients coming in will be treated through the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and Ayushman Vyay Vandana Scheme. The administration, doctors and hospitals must be ready.' The Delhi Medical Association (DMA) on Friday called upon all members of the medical fraternity to act with resolve, responsibility, and readiness. The advisory from the Delhi Medical Association read, "As guardians of public health, it is our duty to rise to the occasion and support the nation in every possible manner." The advisory included several instructions, including cancelling non-essential activities, enhancing hospital safety and preparedness and conducting mock drills, ANI reported. "All socio-cultural, academic, or celebratory events must be suspended until the situation de-escalates. This is the time to prioritise national service over routine engagements. Hospitals and clinics must ensure enhanced safety protocols on premises. Emergency response systems should be reviewed. Stockpile essential medicines, surgical supplies, and blood units. Staff must be prepared for trauma care and surge capacity," read the advisory. In accordance with Public Health Communication, the advisory said, 'Doctors must actively counter misinformation, reassure the public, and support mental well-being through accurate, calm communication.' It also called upon coordination with the authorities and said, 'Collaborate with local health departments, disaster management bodies, and defence medical teams as required.' Meanwhile, AIIMS Bhubaneswar announced the cancellation of all kinds of leave, including vacation and station leave in view of emerging circumstances. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Mumbai hospitals are ramping up preparedness by increasing bed capacity, conducting staff training, and stockpiling essential medicines, critical supplies, and blood reserves. As guardians of public health, it is our duty to rise to the occasion and support the nation in every possible manner. Mumbai's state-run JJ Hospital has established two dedicated emergency wards spanning two floors, with a total of 52 beds, to manage potential medical crises. These wards are equipped with critical care infrastructure, including oxygen support, rapid triage systems, and emergency stockpiles of essential medicines, Hindustan Times reported. (With inputs from agencies) Key Takeaways Hospitals are increasing their bed capacity and stockpiling essential supplies. Emergency preparedness includes conducting staff training and mock drills. Health officials stress the importance of public health communication to counter misinformation.


India Gazette
09-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
DMA calls upon medical fraternity to support nation amid India-Pak tensions as guardians of public health
New Delhi [India], May 9 (ANI): In light of the current heightened national security concerns amidst the India-Pakistan tensions, the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) on Friday called upon all members of the medical fraternity to act with resolve, responsibility, and readiness. The advisory from the Delhi Medical Association read, 'As guardians of public health, it is our duty to rise to the occasion and support the nation in every possible manner.' The advisory included several instructions, including cancelling non-essential activities, enhancing hospital safety and preparedness and conducting mock drills. 'All socio-cultural, academic, or celebratory events must be suspended until the situation de-escalates. This is the time to prioritise national service over routine engagements. Hospitals and clinics must ensure enhanced safety protocols on premises. Emergency response systems should be reviewed. Stockpile essential medicines, surgical supplies, and blood units. Staff must be prepared for trauma care and surge capacity,' read the advisory. With reference to mock drills and leave cancellation, the advisory read, 'Regular mock drills must be conducted for patient and staff safety. Hospital administrations are advised to cancel all leaves to maintain full operational strength.' It further urged the people to stay updated and avoid panic, stating, 'Follow only verified updates from the government or armed forces. Do not circulate unconfirmed news or rumours on social media.' The advisory also said that the DMA members willing to offer emergency services must register with their local DMA branches. Your services may be vital in conflict or disaster zones. In accordance with Public Health Communication, the advisory said, 'Doctors must actively counter misinformation, reassure the public, and support mental well-being through accurate, calm communication.' It also called upon coordination with the authorities and said, 'Collaborate with local health departments, disaster management bodies, and defence medical teams as required.' 'Delhi Medical Association stands in complete solidarity with the nation. Let us serve with commitment, courage, and compassion,' it added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting at his residence amid the rising tension between India and Pakistan. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi were among those present in the meeting. Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a review of the current security situation. The review was held a day after Pakistan sought to target Indian cities and civilian infrastructure, in addition to some military targets. The Indian Defence Forces effectively repelled the attacks. The country's top security brass attended the meeting, and Defence Secretary RK Singh was also present. Pakistani drones were sighted in Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot sectors on Friday, according to defence sources. Red streaks could be seen, and explosions were heard in the Samba sector of Jammu as India's air defence intercepted Pakistani drones amid a blackout. A precautionary blackout has been enforced in multiple areas amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. A complete blackout has been enforced in the Akhnoor and Udhampur regions of Jammu and Kashmir and in the Ambala and Panchkula areas of Haryana. The blackout are also enforced in Firozpur of Punjab and Jaisalmer of Rajasthan. Pakistan has violated the ceasfire for yet another day. On Thursday, the Pakistani army carried out multiple airspace violations and drone intrusions on the night of May 7 and 8, targeting Indian military infrastructure. Pakistan's attempted retaliation came in the wake of India's Operation Sindoor, where the Indian armed forces targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday. The operation was a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. (ANI)